Deira Private School

Inspection report for early years provision

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151395 Unique Reference Number 07 January 2008 Inspection date Janet Butlin Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder has been registered since 1999 and lives in a three bedroomed house in Brixham Devon. She shares the house with her husband and one adult child. She is registered to care for up to six children under the age of eight years and there are currently 10 children enrolled within this age range. All areas of the house are used for childminding except for the second floor. There is a secure rear garden. The house is in walking distance of schools, pre-schools, parks and places of interest. Family pets comprise a Dalmatian dog and a cat.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children learn about keeping themselves healthy as they conscientiously wash their hands after using the lavatory and before they eat meals. They use liquid soap and either paper towels or their own, individual, terry towel and this protects them from the risk of cross infection. They are further protected from catching each other's germs as those who are sick or infectious are requested not to attend. The childminder rigorously applies this policy in order to protect children's good health. Children play in an extremely clean home where good standards of

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 hygiene are implemented, for example all surfaces are kept scrupulously clean. Family pets are clean and docile and generally occupy space away from minded children. Children are well cared for in the event of an emergency as the childminder is qualified in first aid and has all systems in place to respond appropriately.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children eat packed lunches that they have brought from home. These are promptly refrigerated to ensure they remain fresh and wholesome. The childminder promotes healthy eating and ensures that parents are aware of the importance she attaches to this aspect of care. Children eat healthy snacks of fruit and are well hydrated as they are reminded to take frequent drinks.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children develop their muscles as they go on regular walks and outings. They visit the beach and nearby parks and are protected from the harmful effects of the sun by wearing hats and sun cream. The childminder also ensures they are protected by shady trees if playing in the garden.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children play in a warm and welcoming family home. They have sufficient space to set up their games and the good sized kitchen provides ample room for messy play and craft activities to take place safely. They access the lavatory on the first floor under the supervision of the childminder who ensures they negotiate the stairs safely. Children play in a secure, level rear garden where the childminder constantly monitors the plants and shrubs to ensure they are safe for children to be near. Children access a good range of toys and playthings easily and safely. All their toys are in good condition.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children are kept safe in the home as the childminder has thoroughly risk assessed the dwelling. They are unable to reach hazardous items. Equipment, such as stair gates, effectively manage children's ability to access certain parts of the home and keeps them safe. Children are confident in the procedure to be followed in the event of having to evacuate the premises in an emergency. They practise this routine regularly and the childminder records the drill in helpful detail in order to identify any areas for improvement. A clear and prompt register is kept of the times of attendance of children and this means there is an accurate record of who is on the premises, for example, in the event of an emergency.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Children's safety is further supported as the childminder has a good understanding of the child protection procedures. She has attended recent helpful training to extend her knowledge, but does not have a copy of the latest guidance to refer to in the event of having a concern.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is outstanding. Children have a wonderful time with the childminder. They benefit from her strong commitment to ensuring they have the best time they can whilst in her care. She knows each child extremely well and plans activities that will closely match their individual stages of development and their interests; for example, children who attend after school are provided with craft activities and resources to support their current enthusiasm. Young children are constantly stimulated and responded to as they explore their toys and playthings. They work out how electronic toys work, seeking out the switch that will turn them on. They make connections in their play, fitting together train tracks and assembling the carriages that will travel on it. The become competent learners, judging which is the tallest tower and what will fit into a given space. Young children

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 develop their communication skills as the childminder repeats their words back to them and encourages them to talk about their experiences. They are confident to talk to each other, as well as to visitors, and chatter eagerly about their favourite toys and where they bought them. They explore and investigate new items, such as a computer, and regularly identify simple words from flashcards which are presented in naturally occurring situations. Children's enjoyment is extended as they go on regular walks and outings. They visit the zoo, the beach and also activity groups at, for example, the local library. The childminder provides children with a natural, homely, learning environment where they enjoy extended family experiences such as visits to elderly relatives and get-togethers with all the other minded children and their parents for

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about cultural and social diversity in meaningful situations. Toys and playthings inspire discussion and occasionally the childminder will facilitate a trip or outing to widen children's understanding, for example, to help them understand differences of ability. Children's individual needs are known and respected and those who have specific needs receive good care. The childminder is experienced in supporting children who have complex needs and has undertaken training to help her in this area. She is experienced in working closely with parents and local supportive agencies to plan appropriate care.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is exemplary. They say please and thank you and respond to the childminder's consistent expectations and her calm, positive role-modelling. She takes them on outings where they can demonstrate their social skills, such as eating in restaurants, and children rise to the occasion very positively.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children are cared for in accordance with their parents' wishes. They benefit from the warm welcome that is extended to their parents. The childminder does not create any written record of children's daily activities, but takes time to ensure all parents are kept very well informed about what their child has done during the day and all aspects of their care. There are good systems in place to keep parents informed of regulatory procedures.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children are cared for in a well organised, happy and warm environment by a childminder who enjoys her work with children. She reflects on her practice and undertakes additional training to enhance the experiences of the children in her care. She plans and provides a range of worthwhile activities that help children to develop in all areas. They benefit from her belief that children should become well rounded individuals who enjoy their childhood and feel secure. The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Organisation

All regulatory documentation is in place and is securely stored. The childminder is aware of forthcoming changes to early years care and is keen to develop her understanding of the new guidance. She ensures that her training and qualifications, for example, in first aid, are kept up to date, and reflects on her practice to identify areas to improve.

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the previous inspection the childminder was required to ensure that children have an appropriate range of activities and resources that promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice. Children now access a good range of books and toys that help them to develop their understanding of the wider world. Activities and discussions also help children to widen their awareness. This has had a positive impact on their ability to make a positive contribution.

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider, or Ofsted, to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • develop knowledge and understanding of up to date guidance, including latest child protection guidelines

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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